Reports of Voting Machines Malfunctioning
If a machine produces errors, request another machine.
Voters in multiple states have reported situations where voting machine screens appeared to select a different candidate than the one they intended.
Reports from Tennessee, Texas, Ohio, Kansas, and South Carolina have received national attention. Major news organizations have followed up on those reports. The Associated Press reported that election officials found no evidence of widespread election tampering and said many incidents appear to be related to touchscreen calibration issues, accidental touches, or other usability problems. Experts note that similar complaints have surfaced during previous election cycles.
Voters in Tennessee Say Machines are Defaulting to Choose GOP Candidate
See: www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/10/23/voters-in-tennessee-say-machines-are-defaulting-to-choose-gop-candidate-marsha-blackburn
Whatever the cause, every voter deserves confidence that their ballot reflects their choices.
When using a voting machine, take your time. Select the candidate’s name carefully and review every choice before casting your ballot. If the machine provides a review screen, read it line by line. If it prints a paper summary, check it carefully before submitting it. Election officials and voting experts consistently recommend reviewing your ballot before it is cast.
If something doesn’t look right, stop and ask for assistance immediately. Ask a poll worker to observe the issue. If a machine continues to produce errors, request another machine or ask whether a paper ballot is available. Do not leave the polling place without resolving the problem.
Election integrity organizations note that touchscreen calibration problems are not new. The nonpartisan group Verified Voting has documented similar issues in past elections and explains that a misaligned touchscreen can sometimes register a touch in a different location than intended. The organization says these incidents can undermine public confidence even when there is no evidence of malicious interference.
If you encounter a problem, write down important details, including:
- The polling location
- The date and time
- The machine number, if available
- What you selected
- What appeared on the screen
Report voting machine problems to the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline:
- English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
- Spanish: 888-VE-Y-VOTA
- Asian languages: 888-API-VOTE
- Arabic: 844-YALLA-US
You can also notify your local election office and keep a record of any reports you submit. Documenting problems helps election officials identify and correct issues.
Most importantly, encourage family members, friends, neighbors, and community groups to review their ballots carefully before casting them. Taking a few extra moments can help ensure that every vote is recorded as intended.
Voting is one of the most important ways we make our voices heard. Whether a problem is caused by equipment, calibration, human error, or something else, careful review remains the best defense. Slow down, check every selection, and make sure your vote reflects your choices before you cast your ballot.
Many voters, including Dolly Parton’s sister, report issues.
See: apnews.com/article/vote-flipping-voting-machines-midterm-election-53d317b34c0f947ab7cb9f8a895f58ac
